Korean J Occup Environ Med.
2008 Jun;20(2):160-164.
A Case of Caplan's Syndrome with Silicosis
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Korea. nglim@catholic.ac.kr
- 2Department of Preventive Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Caplan originally described a condition, now reffered to as Caplan's syndrome or Caplan's disease, where progressive massive fibrosis was exhibited by coal miners with multiple pulmonary nodules, and rheumatoid arthritis. This syndrome is very rare in Korea.
CASE REPORT
The patient was a 49-year old male, with occupational history as a stonemason for 25 years. Silicosis was diagnosed by chest X-ray, while rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed by immunological examination. Caplan's syndrome was confirmed based on these findings, occupational history, and clinical symptoms. DISCUSSION: The authors report on the patient's Caplan's syndrome, with a particular focus on his silicosis.
